Roll forming carton lidding machine

ABSTRACT

A machine for emplacing and forming lids on filled cartons is comprised of a lid supply means and a carton receiving station. Means are provided for feeding the lids to a position above the carton receiving station where the open top of the carton is mated with the lid which is formed by pressure rollers to conform to the carton walls. The lids have flaps and corner tabs which are folded downward and inward and adhered to the flaps which engage the carton walls, all of the folding is done in sequence but simultaneous steps. Novel means are provided for adapting the machine to various lid sizes thus reducing the inventory of blank lids that must be stocked for various carton sizes.

United States Patent [1 1 Benzing Oct. 21, 1975 ROLL FORMING CARTONLIDDING MACHINE [75] Inventor: James A. Benzing, Hamilton, Ohio 22Filed: Jan. 4, 1974 21 Appl. No.: 430,696

[52] US. Cl. 53/287; 53/306; 53/354;

93/51 R [51] Int. Cl. B65B 7/28 [58] Field of Search 53/41, 42, 37, 38,290,

3,634,995 l/1972 Curtis 53/387 X 3,688,466 9/1972 Geyer 53/287 X3,747,480 7/1973 3,815,483 Cato 93/51 R X Primary Examiner-TravisS.McGehee Assistant Examiner-Horace M. Culver Attorney, Agent, orFirm-Gardiner, Sixbey, Bradford and Carlson [57 ABSTRACT A machine foremplacing and forming lids on filled cartons is comprised of a lidsupply means and a carton receiving station. Means are provided forfeeding the lids to a position above the carton receiving station wherethe open top of the carton is mated with the lid which is formed bypressure rollers to conform to the carton walls. The lids have flaps andcorner tabs which are folded downward and inward and adhered to theflaps which engage the carton walls, all of the folding is done insequence but simultaneous steps. Novel means are provided for adaptingthe machine to various lid sizes thus reducing the inventory of blanklids that must be stocked for various carton sizes.

16 Claims, 15 Drawing Figures r US. Patent Oct. 21, 1975 Sheet20f83,913,300

w g E i 5 Sheet 3 of 8 3,913,300

US. Patent 0a. 21, 1975 3 US. Patent Oct. 21, 1975 Sheet4 of8 3,913,300

US. Patent OctL21, 1975 Sheet50f8 3,913,300

U.S. Patent Oct. 21, 1975 Sheet 6 of8 3,913,300

Fla [0 FIG ll U.S. Patent Oct. 21, 1975 Sheet 8 of 8 3,913,300

FROM FIGTIZb FROM F'Ie. 12b

I5 A? LS-7 ll CONTROL ll l6 CR SOL STOP NO.|

ll n c RoL l7 N0.2

CR2 SOL.2

H I ,CONTIRO I8 LS-5 CR 2 CR4 LS-7 Sou LID PUS NTROL I LS 2 LS-3 UE GUNS5? L54 3 CONTROLCONVEYOR 2| SOLS LIFT CYLINDER 22 TD I (TO) 4 A CONTROLSLID LIFT 23 LS- CLUTCH8 BRAKE 24 Is-IA PER 25 I PER 26 I 2 a ROLLFORMING CARTON LIDDING MACHINE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In describingthe apparatus and method herein to be disclosed reference shall be madeto the packing of paper, specifically ream packages of cut size paper incartons. It should be understood, however, that the uses of the methodand apparatus are not so limited and that reference to the particularuse is for convenience, since the packing of cut size paper graphicallyillustrates the needs and the gratification of the needs effected by thedisclosed subject matter.

As is well known, cut size packages of paper, usually 500 sheets wrappedin a paper wrapper, are difficult to handle for transport and salebecause the packages are bulky, heavy and, in a sense fragile. Thus, theindustry has adopted the practice of packing the cut size packages in acarton usually containing 5,000 sheets divided into equal packages orreams of 500 sheets each. The outer carton is usually fabricated fromcorrugated paperboard having sufficient strength to encompass andconfine the plurality of packages while protecting same against impactor shock that would render the wrapped sheets unusable because ofwrinkles, tears, curled edges, and bent corners and the like. Because ofthe necessity for strength and impact resistance, the board from whichthe cartons are fabricated must be of substantial thickness and weight,thus making the carton and contents quite heavy to further increasestorage bulk and shipping costs en route from manufacturer to consumer.

More recently, it has been realized that if the cartons in which theream wraps or packages are packed tightly enough within the carton andthe carton embraces and encloses the packages into a rigid unit, thecontainer and its contents become, as it were, an integrated unitcapable of self-support and in turn, capable of supporting other loads,as for example, containers stacked one on top of the other as inpalletizing, warehousing, etc. It is also quite possible to reduce thebulk and weight of the material from which the cartons are fabricatedsince the contents share in the load-supporting function.

The knowledge that integration of container and contents producesfavorable results has led to a rash of developments in methods ofpacking, container formation and loading, lid attachment, etc., and thenecessary and preferably automated, equipment to effectuate the desiredresults.

THE PRIOR ART One of the earliest ventures along the lines of packingand integrating containers and load as a unitary assembly to resistdamage by crushing, bending, impacts and the like is disclosed in ZilioxU.S. Pat. No. 3,120,727 issued Feb. 11, 1964 and the companion apparatusU.S. Pat. No. 3,002,326 issued to Ziliox and Carter on Oct. 3, 1961. Inthis system, the carton is actually formed about the contents in aninverted position, the lids being adhered to the carton bottoms or traysafter which the cartons are overturned and palletized right side up.

2 3,038,284; 3,501,895; 3,516,227; 2,850,858; 3,145,518; 2,848,856;3,688,466; and 3,126,685, all of which patents have been considered andwhich disclose systems and apparatus which differ in several materialaspects from the method and apparatus to be subse quently disclosed.

Inspection of the prior art discloses that the more recent approach tothe packing of contents in containers comprises the loading of preformedcarton bottoms as trays with the contents as tightly as possible andthereafter pressing a pre-scored, pre-cut lid blank having side and endflaps and infolded adhesively secured tops onto the contents whileforming and adhesively adhering the end tabs to secure the side and endwalls of the lid in extremely tight immobile position over the open endor face or side of the filled carton. Such is the procedure followed inU.S. Pat. No. 3,634,995. Such is the procedure with which the presentdisclosure and claims deal, albeit the manipulative steps in effectingthe folding are substantially different, as will subsequently becomeapparent.

The prior art methods and apparatus are, in fact, consummated in theapparatus shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,634,995, and essentially comprise afolding operation wherein the closure blank, be it lid or simply aflexible wrapper, is positioned over and wrapped or folded about thepreviously filled container. The apparatus for filling, irrespective ofthe product, is conventional and essentially forms no part of theinventive subject matter.

The closure blank is fed into place over the filled container. Thefilled container is then elevated into what the art terms a well whichfolds the closure around the sides of the container and, in some cases,adheres the folded sides of the closure to the container.

A well, as shown in the art usually consists of a stationary member ormembers defining a periphery of an open hole into which the container islifted. The stationary members contact the edges of the blank and, asthe container moves upward, the relative movement past the stationarymembers causes folding of the marginal edges of the blank down along thecontainer walls, which walls are generally vertical and parallel to thelongitudinal axis of movement of the container. Since an extremely tightfit of the closure to the container is necessary, the edges orstationary members defining the mouth of the well are positioned andspaced so as to very closely, within inch or less, approximate thedimensions of the outer dimensions of the side walls of the container.In all cases, the folding pressure required to bend the marginalsurfaces of the closure,

down into assembled position is all concentrated at the area of the lidimmediately adjacent to the fold line about which the marginal areas ofthe blank bend. As the fold is completed as the container moves up inthe well, the pressure exerted on the downfold edges decreases to analmost uniform pressure. However, because of the initial foldingpressure the cover may be distorted with the result that the cover doesnot adhere tenaciously to the bottom or tray with the result that thecover may move and thus destroy'the sought for integrated action of thecontents and the closed container.

Similarly, because of the use: of fixed members considerable machineadjustment is involved in switching from one carton size to another.

THE INVENTION The present invention, then, has for a general objectivethe provision of a relatively inexpensive efficient and extremelyversatile carton lidding machine.

A particular object of the invention is to provide a carton liddingmachine capable of producing tightly lidded cartons which are integratedwith the contents to provide improved impact resistance to the packageand contents.

Another object of the invention is to provide a lidding machine whichcan be installed easily in any carton packing line.

Still, a further object of the invention is to provide a lidding machinewhich is readily adjustable to accommodate different sizes of cartons.

Another object of the invention is to provide a carton lidding machinedevoid of complicated feeding mechanisms.

These and other objects of the invention not specifically alluded to inparticular, but, none-the-less, inherent therein and readily apparent tothose skilled in the art, may be accomplished by the apparatus describedhereinafter in conjunction with the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an end, top and right-side perspective view of the completecarton lidding machine,

FIG. 2 is a top and left-side broken away perspective view showingdetails of the lid feeding arrangement,

FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view showing the initial step in the lidfeeding operation,

FIG. 4 is a view, similar to FIG. 3, but showing the lid in its cartonengaging position,

FIG. 5 is a top and left side, partial perspective view showing themating of the carton and lid at the lid placement station and the flapfolding mechanisms,

FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view showing the first step in the flapfolding operation,

FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 6 showing an intermediate stage in theflap folding sequence,

FIG. 8 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 5 showing the final closureposition of the closing elements,

FIG. 9 is a perspective, partial view of the lid as finally closed onthe carton body,

FIG. 10 is a partial view of the lid flap folding rollers in nullposition to illustrate the manner of effecting sequential folding of theside and end flaps,

FIG. 11 is a partial, schematic view of the means for mounting the lidfeeding means and flap folding means for rapid adjustment to accommodatevarious sized cartons and lids,

FIGS. 12a, 12b and 12c are views showing, in ladder schematic, thecontrol means for the functioning elements of the apparatus, and

FIG. 13 is an inverted, perspective view of one lid feeding finger.

Turning now to FIG. 1, the overall apparatus is shown in assembled form.As clearly illustrated, the machine is assembled on a frame 10,fabricated from conventional structural angle iron, channels and thelike, and is comprised of four vertical legs, only three legs beingvisible, 1, 3, 5, and a pair of main rails 9 and 11. The frame 10 isessentially divided into two areas and the area 20 being the lid supplyarea and the area 30 being the lid applying area.

As shown, the lid supply area embraces an elevator platform 13 uponwhich, in horizontal position is stacked a supply of lid blanks 15. Asthe lid blanks 15 are fed individually from the top of the stack by thelid feeding means, to be described hereafter, the elevator platform 13is raised incrementally by means of a plurality of lift chains 17 and 19which are trained over drive sprockets 21 and 23. Sprockets 21 and 23are in turn driven through a magnetic clutch 25. Clutch 25 is drivenfrom a cross shaft and electric motor, not shown, so that the motoroperatescontinuously but the sprockets 21, 23 operate intermittently totake up on chains 17 and 19 as lid blanks 15 are fed from the elevatorplatform. It should be noted that the motor and drive setup, includingclutch 25 are all conventional and a part of a conventional arrangement.It should also be realized that two elevator chain and drive sprocketarrangements are provided adjacent main rail 11, but these items are notcompletely visible in the view of FIG. 1 though it should be apparentthat cross shafts 27, 29 coordinate the rotary movement of all four suchelevator sprockets 21, 21 and 23.

Disposed directly in line with the elevator platform 13 is the lid feedmechanism which will be described in greater detail in connection withFIG. 2. It suffices to say that the mechanism is operated by a freepiston, double-acting hydraulic actuator 31 which is mounted on crossframe members 35 and 37. The piston is connected to the sheet feedassembly 130 by means of a cable which is trained over pulleys 42, 44,suitably mounted on the main frame, so that as the jack piston moves toand fro in the barrel, the assembly is also moved back and forth via thecable 38. The feed assembly 130 is mounted upon and guided by aplurality of parallel and horizontally disposed slide rods 39 and 41.

Also disposed above the lid feeding area 20 and suitably supported onmain frame 10 is a hot melt adhesive reservoir and heater apparatus 40having adhesive discharge hoses 43 and 45 leading to applicator nozzles47 and 49 also suitably mounted on main frame 10 in a position to bedescribed fully in connection with FIG. 3.

As is further shown in FIG. 1, thecarton stack of lid blanks 15 onelevator platform 13 is in contact with a stack guiding means 51 and 51'(only one being shown in FIG. 1) which will also be describedv withreference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

As seen in some detail in FIG. 1, the lidding area 30 of frame 10 isprovided with the instrumentalities necessary to effect the liddingoperation. Disposed at the bottom of the frame 10 in area 30, is aroller conveyor comprised of a vertically movable frame 57 having aplurality of conveyor rollers 59 journalled therein. The axes of therollers are disposed parallel to each other and also to the direction ofmovement of lids 15 from the lid supply area 20 to the lid applying area31. As will be further described with respect to FIG. 4, the rollers 59may be power driven via a chain and sprocket drive 67 from a motor, notshown, carried beneath frame 57. The whole assembly, motor, chain andsprocket drive, etc. is purely a conventional arrangement in the art andhence need not be described in further detail. Also journalled in frame10 between vertical leg 3 and vertical hanger 69 and as well on anadjunctive conveyor frame 65 are a plurality of idler rollers 61 whichconvey cartons to and away from the lidding station 30.

Frame 57 is supported upon and by a hydraulic jack or motor 60. The modeof connecting motor 60 to the frame is purely a matter of mechanicalskill and design. It suffices simply to say that as jack 60 is actuatedthe entire frame 57 and, of course, rollers 59 are lifted verticallytoward the top of the main machine frame 10. Suitable valving means isprovided to control the jack and reference will be made thereto inconnection with FIG. 12.

As is further shown in FIG. 1, the upper portion of the main frame inthe lid applying area 130 is occupied by the lid positioning and flapfolding mechanism 50, the details of which are more readily apparentfrom consideration of FIGS. 2 to 5. Before describing the mechanism,previously noted, in detail, however, attention is directed to the lidswhich are pre-cut and prescored in such a manner as to accomplish thedesired results in conjunction with the machine operation.

As clearly shown in FIG. 2, each lid comprises a central cover area 71bounded by score lines 72 and 73 which define the length and widthdimensions of the cover area. The marginal edges of the lids beyond thescore lines define side and end flaps 77 and 75 respectively which aresubsequently folded down and into engagement with the side and end wallsof the carton receptacle or bottom tray containing the products.

At each comer, the side flaps 77 are provided with cutouts which extendfrom the marginal edges of the lid inwardly toward score lines 72 andare aligned with score lines 73. Thus the corner areas of the end flaps75 define tabs 101, 102, 103 and 104 which can be and are foldeddownwardly and inwardly and thus tucked in behind the side flaps duringthe cover folding and apply ing sequence.

Turning attention again to FIG. 2, it will be seen that the lid feedingassembly 130 includes a cross-slide bar 81 mounted on the slide rods 39and 41 previously noted. Projecting forwardly, i.e., toward the lidstack, from the cross slide bar 81 are a pair of stack stripping andblank feeder tongues 83, 85 which engage the topmost blank of the stackof blanks and pushes this blank toward the lidding station as the cable38 is actuated by the hydraulic motor 31. As the blank moves from thestack its edges and sides are contacted by a pair of horizontal andparallel guide rails 87 and 89 and a pair of edge guides 91, 93 whichalign the blank and guide it in proper position toward the liddingstation. Preferably the trailing edges of the side guides 91 and 93 areprovided with some form of retarding means such as a pad or brush tofrictionally engage the edges of the blank. This assures that the blankis positively engaged by the feeder tongues 83, 85 as it leaves thesupply stack. Also, the retarding means assures that only a single blankis fed from the stack since the frictional forces acting on the edges ofthe topmost blank are greater than the frictional forces acting betweenthe bottom surface of that blank and the top surface of the nextsucceeding blank.

As the blank is fed forward it contacts a control switch, to bedescribed in connection with FIG. 12, which causes a discharge ofadhesive from the nozzles 47 and 49. As clearly shown in FIG. 6, theadhesive is applied to very limited areas 95 and 97 of the leadingcorner tabs 101 and 102. Subsequently, as the lid blank curved so thatthe area 105 moves easily across the stack of blanks even though theheight of the stack or the lid thickness may vary somewhat. The sheetfeeder tongues 83 and contain several innovative features. Each isindividually spring loaded permitting a limited amount of verticaltravel. As the stack of lid blanks rises, the edge of the topmost blankcontacts the section of face 109 ahead of the pin 111. Throughconventional control means, the stack rises until both tongues 83 and 85have their respective surfaces 109 in contact with the topmost blank.Thus, the figures are self aligning and a positive feed is assured eventhough the blanks may not be uniformly horizontal.

A further feature of the tongues 83 and 85 is the construction beneaththe barb or pin 111. Beginning at the base of the barb, the tongue isbevelled away through 110 into plane 105. Thus, as feeding begins, nopart of cross land 107 can come into contact with any lid blank otherthan the one being fed. This reduces the possibility of double feeding.The surface is interrupted by a step defined by a crossland. 107, aterminal end surface 109 and an intermediate beveled surface 110 definedbetween surface portion 105 and the land or riser 107. Affixed centrallyof the land 107 is a barb or pointed projection 11 1 disposed along andalinged with the central axis of the land or riser surface. The barb 1 11 is designed to enter into the fluted area formed between the solidsurfaces of the lid blanks which are formed of the usual corrugatedboard. The barbs enter into the fluted area and the lands or risersengage the edge of the blank to provide a. measure of positive controlover the blanks as they are moved between the alignment guides 91 and 93and traverse the support rails 87, 89 to the final lid forming positionoverlying the conveyor at the lid forming station 30.

At this point it should benoted that since elevator platform 13 isfreely suspended from the lift chains 17 and 19 it is free to move inall directions in a general horizontal plane. In orderto align theelevator platform and also the lid blank stack with the feedingmechanism there are provided a plurality of guide angles 51,51 and asecond set of guide channels 113, 113. All four guides are mounted inparallel vertical relation so as to engage the corners of the lid blanksto guide same vertically so that the uppermost blank 15 in said stackwill be properly aligned for sliding removal via the feed mechanismpreviously described.

Considering now the lid forming mechanisms and operation it will benoted that a previously filled carton tray enters the lidding area 30via roller conveyor 61. In order to stop movement of the tray in theproper position on the lifting conveyor rolls 59, there is provided avertically movable stop roller 121 mounted in slide brackets 122 onvertically slidable trunnions 123 mounted on lift conveyor frame 57.These trunnions 123 are in turn operated from a retracted to a raisedposition by means of an air cylinder or hydraulic motor, not shown,suitably connected thereto as is readily apparent to the skilledmechanic. A similar lift roll trunnion assembly 124, 126, 128 isprovided on conveyor frame 63 upstream of the lidding station 30. Theoperation of the roll lifting means 18211111161 the control of one of apair of electric eye light sources and light responsive cells 125 and127 with directional reflectors 129, 131 disposed directly opposite allof which are positioned on cross members 133 of the main frame and crossmember 135 which is, in turn, attached to frame 57. As is conventional,an article moving through the area interrupts the light beam fromsources 125 and 127 and this happenstance can be used to generate acontrol signal. As will be more fully described in connection with FIG.12, the movement of the carton tray 120 between source 125 and reflector129 generates a signal which controls the movement of the stop rolls 121and 124 into raised position to stop the tray in the lidding station,and to prevent entry of a succeeding carton into the lidding area 130until the lidding operation has been completed. Preferably, the cartonis centered along the conveyor axis by friction guides, not shown, butwell known in the art, which are positioned on conveyor frame 63 at somepoint upstream of the lidding station.

Disposed immediately above the vertically movable conveyor assemblycomprised of frame 57 and rolls 59 is a rectangular presser plate 140.This plate is suspended by a vertical shaft 141 from cross member 143rigidly mounted on main frame 10. The upper end of shaft 141 may beconnected to some form of thrust resistant mechanism 145 such as an airor hydraulic accumulator whereby the force necessary to move the presserplate upwardly may be regulated as conditions may warrant.

As shown in FIG. 5, the presser plate is, in its at rest or nullposition, lowered so as to be suspended immediately above, but out ofcontact with the flat, lid blank which is resting on the supportingslide rails 87, 89 in its final position overlying the filled cartonbottom 120.

Disposed above the presser plate 140 and pivoted on suitable brackets147 attached by any suitable technique to the main frame 10 or crossmember 143 respectively are a plurality of lid forming rolls grouped infour pairs 149, 149, 151, 151, 153, 153 and 155, 155'. The formingrollers are mounted on axles carried by pairs of hangers, all identicaland identified, as a group, by numeral 157 which are in turn carried onpivot shafts 161, 161, 163, 163', 164, 164, and 165, 165. Each pivotshaft, in turn, carries a spring armed lever 167, 168, 169, and 171, 171non-rotatably attached thereto. The ends of these levers overlie the topof the presser plate 140 and are provided with contact pads, generallynoted by numeral 175.

The pads carried by spring lever. arms 167, and 169 are located in theirrest position, closer to the presser plate 140 than are those carried bylever arms 168 and 171. This permits the end flaps 75 to close slightlyahead of the side flaps 77. To adjust the stop position of lever arms168, 171 at their lowered position a suitable stop cam or similar means177 may be provided on hanger arms 157 to abut against the stationarymembers 147; this again being an arrangement within the skill of theordinary, competent mechanic which need not be described in minutedetail herein.

It is particularly important to note in FIGS. 4 to 7, inclusive, theprovision and location of the tab folding fingers 191, 193, 195, 197. Aswill be described in connection with FIG. 10, these fingers areadjustably positioned on the main frame 10 and project inwardly tooverlie the lid blank support rails 87 and 89 so that they may engagethe end tabs 101, 102, 103 and 104 when the blank is in the process ofbeing first engaged and folded on the open topped carton receptacle ortray 120 as will be presently apparent.

Prior to proceeding into a discussion of the operation of the machineand the novel folding method it performs, attention is directed to FIG.11 which is a partial schematic view through the middle of the machineshown in FIG. 1. For clarity, some parts of the apparatus have beendeleted in this view.

The side rail of main frame 10 is shown with respect to its midpoint andthe distances from this midpoint to the center line of each of the blankstacking area 20 and the lid folding area 30 designated by arrows andthe identification A and B. The A and B distances must remain constant.However, since it is contemplated that more than one size of carton maybe used, some arrangement must be provided to adjust the position ofblank guides 113 and 51' relative to the center line', this latterdistance being identified by the letters C, D. Similarly, an equaldimensional adjustment must be made between the flap folding rollers151, 151' and 155, 155, this distance being identified as distances E,F. In order to accomplish this adjustment the side rails of the mainframe 10 are provided with slide blocks, as for example 201, 205 in FIG.11, which blocks slidably support a pair of parallel rack bars 207, 209which extend parallel to the side rails for the full length of the mainframe. The ends of these bars adjacent the lid supply area are providedwith complimentary and facing gear teeth which mesh with a common pinion212 disposed intermediate the bars and in engagement with both. Thus, aspinion 212 is rotated an equal or opposite longitudinal motion isimparted to each rack bar 207 and 209.

Fixed to the rack bars 207 and 209 are hanger blocks 211, 213, 215 and217. The blocks 211 and 215 are pin connected to the upper rack bar 207and slide freely with respect to bar 209, while the blocks 213 and 217are pin connected to the rack bar 209 and slide freely with respect tobar 207. Thus as the bars are moved longitudinally in oppositedirections the hanger blocks 211 and 213 move toward or away from eachother an equal distance depending on the direction of motion of the rockbars 207, 209. Similarly, the blocks 215, 217 move in the identicalfashion toward and away from each other as the rock'bars are moved byrotation of pinion 212 in the chosen direction.

Affixed to and movable with the hanger blocks 211, 213, 215 and 217 area plurality of cross member structural supports 221, 223, 225 and 227.These members support the vertical stack guides 113 and 51' and the flapfolding rollers 155, 151, etc., as well as the end top folding fingers191, 193 as visible in FIG. 11. The glue applicators are also supportedon a movable cross member.

The entire blank feeding means moves with hanger block 21 1 such thatthe blank feeder tongues 83, 85 remain in the same horizontaldisposition relative to the edge of the stack of blanks.

Further, the glue applicators move in conjunction with hanger block 213such that no further adjustment is required. Thus, a complete change ofsize in the short direction is accomplished by rotating pinion 212 to apredetermined position.

Thus as is apparent, the movement of the rack bars varies the dimensionsC, D and E, F equally so that both may accommodate lids of differentdimensions selected for carton receptacles of different dimensions.Fortunately, carton sizes of the type adapted for the particular usedescribed are fairly well standardized as to length, i.e., the cartondimension which parallels carton movement in FIG. 2 These cartons aredimensioned, for the most part, to receive two reams of wrapped papersheets side-by-side of 8% X 11 inches up to 8 /2 X 14 inches. Thus thelength Of the cartons is almost universally 17 inches by 1 1 plus afraction up to 17 inches by 14 inches plus a fraction depending on reamsize, i.e., sheet dimensions, since the sheet count 10 where the cartonsize is 16 inches instead of the more customary 17 inches.

While the general operation of the machine is believed apparent, fromFIGS. 1-11 inclusive, reference that the tab folding fingers 191, 193,195 and 197 are so dimensioned as to accommodate this very slight variation of IQ inch in tab width per each side of the lid is standardizedat 500 sheets per ream. is now made to FIGS. 12a, 12b and 120 showing inlad- There are, however, instances particularly when the der diagramform the electrical control system providcut sheets are to be used instandardized equipment, ing for automatic operation of the machine. suchas computer readout stations and governmental FIG. 120 shows therelative positions of FIGS. 12a use where the sheet width must be 8inches instead of and 12b with respect to each other while the table 8Inches. Thus, the carton length, i.e., the dimension which followsdescribes the physical location of the In Its dIrectIon of movement intothe lidding area will various control sensors as well as theirindividual funcbecome 16 inches rather than 17 inches. To accommotion inthe sequence of Operation. This method of dedate this variation and,regardless of length, to assure scription has been chosen for purposesof simplicity proper positioning of the carton in the lidding area, theand clearness and to obviate the necessity for constant stop means,which consists of the roller 121 previously shuffling from one Figure ofdrawing to another in foldescribed, is so arranged that one of two sizesof roller lowing the description.

LINE PHYSICAL ITEM LOCATION FUNCTION LOCATION PER-l 7, I3 INDICATESINCOMING AT INPUT END OF CARTONS CONVEYOR PER-2 I3 INDICATES CARTON ATSTOP NO. 2 AGAINST STOP NO. 2 LS-O 3 CONTROLS ON-OFF 0F BELOW CONVEYORCONVEYOR MOTOR LS-I ll, 23 INDICATES LID IS IN LEFT FRONT CORNER FEEDPOSITION OF LID LS-IA I1, 24 INDICATES LID IS IN RIGHT FRONT CORNER FEEDPOSITION OF LID LS-2 l9 PREVENTS GLUING IF ABOVE FRONT CENTER NO LID ISPRESENT OF LID GUIDE LS-3 l9 APPLIES GLUE TO ON REAR TOL-A- LEADING TABSMATIC MOUNTING BRACKET LS-4 APPLIES GLUE TO ON FRONT TOL-A- TRAILINGTABS MATIC MOUNTING BRACKET LS-5 I3, 18 INDICATES POSITION AT END OFMACHINE- 0F LID PREVENTS END OF LID TRAVEL DOUBLE FEEDING LS-6 9, l3INDICATES END OF UNDER TOP CROSS UPWARD TRAVEL OF MEMBER AND ABOVECONVEYOR PRESSURE PLATE LS-7 13. I5. 18 INDICATES POSITION OF BELOWCONVEYOR CONVEYOR CRI l6 CONTROLS SOL NO. 1,

STOPS NO. 1 CR2 1?, l8 CONTROLS SOL. NO. 2

STOP NO. 2, PERMITS LID FEEDING DURING CARTON FEEDING CR3 8, I0 DROPSOUT STOP NO. 2 TO PERMIT DISCHARGE OF LIDDED CARTON CR4 I2, 18 ASSURESLIDS ARE IN PROPER POSITION FOR FEEDING CR5 I4. 21 CONTROLS SOL. NO. 5

AND CONVEYOR RAISE AND LOWER TDI 22 MAINTAINS UP POSITION UNTIL GLUE ISSET In many instances it will be desired to incorporate the 121 may bereadily inserted and removed selectively in machine in production lineswhich are multi-purpose so the trunnions 123. One roller is 1 inch indiameter, the that the cartons may or may not be lidded and if notlidother 2 inches in diameter. Thus, by a simple substituded, may simplypass through the machine. Thus switch tion of one roller for the otherthe stopped position of No. 1 may be closed which energizes solenoid MCRthe carton bottom 120 can be readily adjusted to posiwhich in turnenergizes the conveyor motor relay CM. tion it directly beneath thepresser plate 140 regardless With the conveyor in the down position,limit switch 'of its dimension. It should be recognized of course thatLS-0 is closed and the conveyor runs continuously so the uniqueoperation of the sealing roller assembly can that carton bottoms simplypass through the machine. readily accommodate the variation in lengthfrom 17 I When, however, the lidding function is to be incorpoinches to16 inches and vice versa. It will also be noted rated in the productionline, switch No. 2 is closed to connect power from the source to line 1.The lift motor solenoid LM is closed and lift motor for the lid elevator(not shown). This motor runs continuously and operl 1 ates the liftelevator through the electric clutch-brake mechanism 25. This mechanismis an offthe shelf item which operates as an intermittent drivemechanism to raise the lid blank elevator in step by step fashion aseach lid blank is removed from the stack.

As the stack is raised the topmost lid blank opens switches LS-l andLS-la disengaging the drive through the clutch-brake mechanism becausethis lid is in position for feeding. The drive disengagement is effectedthrough solenoid 6.

The carton meanwhile enters the unit and as it does it interrupts thelight beam between sources 125 and 127 and reflectors 129, 131. As thefirst beam is interrupted line is energized and control relay CR1operated to admit pressure to the lifting jack for stop roll 124. Thestop roll 124 lifts to stop the entry, of additional cartons into thelidding area. At the same time, control relay 2 is energized to raisestop roll 121 to stop the carton in lidding position on the liftingconveyor.

Simultaneously with the actuation of the carton stop rolls, solenoid 3is energized to begin feed of the topmost lid blank from the stack. Thelid then contacts limit switch LS-2 which is an override to assure thatthe glue sequence will not function unless a lid blank is disposedbeneath the glue applicators.

As the lid blank moves from the stack the feed arm 7 81 closes limitswitch LS3 and the glue system is operated to deposit glue on the tabs101 and 102 through applicators 47 and 49. As the lid blank advancesfurther limit switch LS4 is closed and the glue application is repeatedon tabs 103, 104. The lid blank advance continues until the feed armcontacts limit switch LS5. This switch opens because the lid blank is inits proper position over the carton bottom 120 and under presser plate140. The solenoid control for the pusher arm jack then operates toretract the pusher and the brakeclutch mechanism 25 operates to raisethe lid blank stack to place another lid in the ready position againstlimit switches LS1 and LSla.

With the interruption of both light beams the sensors are dark. With alid in position against limit switch LS5, control relay CR5 is energizedto admit pressure to the conveyor lifting jack 60 via operation of asolenoid 5 which in turn operates a suitable fluid control valve. At thesame time, a time delay relay TDl is closed. With the conveyor lifting,limit switch LS-0 is opened and the drive motor for rollers 59 is turnedoff.

The carton bottom 120 continues its upward movement against presserplate 140 and as the plate rises the tab folding fingers 191 et seq.begin to fold the tabs 101 et seq. as shown in FIG. 6. Continued upwardmovement lifts the presser plate 140 and it first contacts the ends ofspring lever arm 167, 169, the roll groups 149, 149 and 153, 153' beginto move toward the carton folding down the end flaps 75. As the upwardmovement of presser plate 140 continues the plate now contacts the endsof spring lever arms 168, 168, 171, 171' so that folding of the sidefalps 77 begins. It is noted, again, that having spring arms 167, 169(which control closing of the end flaps) contact presser plate 140before it actuates arms 168, 171 permits the end flaps 75 with theattached tabs 101, 102 et seq. to close slightly ahead of side flaps 77to assure of full closure of the flaps against the filled tray 120before adhesion occurs. FIG. 7 illustrates this step and shows how thetabs 101 et seq. are tucked under the side flaps 77. The upward movementcontinues until the FIG. 8 position is reached. At this point, thespring arms are transmitting 12 maximum pressure to the flap formingroll groups. The upward movement stops as the limit switch LS6 is openedwhich energizes control relay CR3, de-energizes controlrelay CR2, thusthe stop roll 121 drops down. The time delay relay holds the carton inthe sealing position a sufficient period to assure complete adhesion ofthe adhesive on tabs 101 et seq. to set. After this period expires TDlopens de-energized solenoid 5 and the lidded carton and the liftingconveyor drop down to close limit switch L-0 starting rollers 61 toconvey the carton out of the machine and the cycle is completed.

Referring back to FIGS. 5 et seq., it should be noted that the reasonfor using roll groups to fold the flaps instead of just four unitaryrolls, is' that there may be some misalignment or out of squareness'ofthe carton. The groups of rolls more readily accommodate to thiscondition.

Having described the invention in its preferred embodiment, it will beapparent that changes will occur to those skilled in the art which fallwithin the spirit and scope of the inventive concept which is limitedonly as defined in the claims, wherein:

What is claimed is:

1. In a lid fonning device for forming and attaching flat lid blanks toa pre-fllled carton bottom having vertical and parallel end walls andwherein said lid is provided with marginal side and end flaps and cornertabs attached to the end flaps, the improvement wherein said foldingmeans includes a presser plate for pressing the lid down, a liftingmeans for raising the filled carton against the under surface of saidlid to move said presser plate upwardly; roll means actuated by saidpresser plate to fold said side and end flaps inwardly toward the cartonwalls and means acting on said tab means to fold same downwardly beforesaid roll means contacts and while said roll means is folding said flapswhereby said comer tabs are tucked under said side flaps when the flapsare pressed against the vertical walls of the pre-filled carton bottom.

2. A lid forming device of the structure defined in claim 1, whereinsaid tab folding means comprises a plurality of rigid fingers disposedabove the corner tabs and engaged thereby as the carton and lid areraised by said lifting means.

3. A lid forming device of the structure,defined in claim 1, whereinsaid roll means comprises a plurality of inwardly swingable rolls, andmeans contacting said presser plate whereby the rolls are swung inwardlycoincident with upward movement of said presser plate and contact saidflaps on a line disposed below the fold juncture of the flaps and liddefining area as the flaps contact said walls of said carton bottom.

4. A lid forming device of the structure defined in claim 3, whereinsaid presser plate contacting means comprises a plurality of spring armsconnected with said rollers and having free ends adapted to contact theupper surface of said plate.

5. The lid forming device as defined by the structure of claim 4,wherein the terminal ends of the spring arms for the side flap foldingrollers contacts the upper surface of said presser plate after saidfingers have initiated downward folding of said corner tabs and afterthe end flap forming rollers'have begun downward folding of said endflaps by said end flap folding rollers.

6. A filled container lidding device for folding flat lid blanks havingend and side flaps and corner tabs carried by said end flaps intoengagement with the sides of a filled container comprising; a frame, alid blank supply station, means comprising spaced pairs of guide membersfor guiding said flat lid blanks first vertically upwardly, thenlaterally, edgewise to a position overlying a filled container, meansfor lifting said container into contact with said lid; oppositely spacedmeans for folding said corner tabs and said end and side flaps intotight contact with said container walls; means supporting saidoppositely spaced flap folding means and said spaced pairs of verticallid guiding means on said frame for relative motion with respect to oneanother whereby lid blanks of different dimensions may be loaded on saidlid supply station and moved vertically and laterally edgewise andthereafter the end and side flaps and corner tabs folded into engagementwith the container walls of a correspondingly dimensioned container andmeans for operating said supporting means to accomodate containers andlids of compatible dimensions.

7. A filled container lidding device as set forth in claim 6 whereinsaid supporting means comprises two pairs of parallel horizontal rackbars slidably mounted on said frame; a pinion in contact with each ofsaid pairs of rack bars and means for rotating said pinion back andforth to cause equal and opposite movement of the bars in each pair ofsaid rack bars.

8. A filled container lidding apparatus as defined in claim 7, whereinone each of the opposite pairs of blank guides and flap folding means ismounted on a single rack bar and moved by said bars in equal andopposite directions.

9. An apparatus for applying lid blanks having side and end marginalflap areas and corner tabs carried by either of said flap areas tofilled containers comprising means for supporting a supply stack of flatlid blanks in a horizontal position; means for laterally movingindividual, flat lid blanks one at a time from the top of said stack onsaid supporting means to a position overlying a filled container; meansfor applying adhesive to the corner tabs of said lids during saidlateral movement; means for supplying individual filled containers to aposition directly beneath the individual flat lid blank; means forlifting said filled container into contact with the flat lid blank;means for bending said corner tabs downwardly as the filled containercontacts said blank, further means operable by continued upward movementof said blank and filled container for bending the marginal flap areasdownwardly after the container contacts said lid blank whereby saidcorner tabs are disposed beneath said folded marginal flap areas; saidfolding means comprising pivoted roller pressing said marginal flapareas downwardly and upon continued movement pressing said flap areasagainst the side walls of said filled receptacle at the juncture of saidflap areas to the remainder of said blank, and means for dischargingsaid lidded carton from said apparatus after said lid has been appliedthereto.

10.'An apparatus as defined in claim 9, including presser plate meanscontacting the upper surface of said flat lid blank as the filledcontainer is lifted to press the lid tightly against the contents of thecontainer.

11. An apparatus as defined in claim 9, wherein the means for supportingthe supply of flat blanks comprises an elevator platform, and means toincrementally raise said elevator platform in response to removal ofindividual blanks from said stack of flat lid blanks.

12. An apparatus as defined in claim 9, wherein said means for laterallymoving said flat blanks comprises a pair of horizontal support railsengaging the under surface of the individual blanks and a pair ofself-aligning feeder tongues movable parallel to said rails and havingmeans to engage the edge of each individual blank to move same laterallyfrom said stack along said rails to the position overlying said filledcontainer.

13. An apparatus as defined in claim 12 wherein said means to engage theedge of each of said blanks includes an outwardly projecting pin adaptedto enter the edge of the lid blank.

14. An apparatus as defined in claim 12 including further a pair ofguide means disposed adjacent each rail and said guide means including africtional means for engaging the edges of the laterally moving blanks.

15. An apparatus as defined in claim 9, wherein said container liftingand discharging means includes a vertically moving roller conveyorhaving means to power said conveyor rolls when saidconveyor is at itslowermost position.

16. An apparatus as defined in claim 9, including automatic controlmeans for controlling said means for moving said filled container, saidlid blank feeding means, said container lifting and discharge means andsaid flap bending means in repetitive sequence in response to thepresence of a filled container in an initial position beneath said flatlid blank.

1. In a lid forming device for forming and attaching flat lid blanks toa pre-filled carton bottom having vertical and parallel end walls andwherein said lid is provided with marginal side and end flaps and cornertabs attached to the end flaps, the improvement wherein said foldingmeans includes a presser plate for pressing the lid down, a liftingmeans for raising the filled carton against the under surface of saidlid to move said presser plate upwardly; roll means actuated by saidpresser plate to fold said side and end flaps inwardly toward the cartonwalls and means acting on said tab means to fold same downwardly beforesaid roll means contacts and while said roll means is folDing said flapswhereby said corner tabs are tucked under said side flaps when the flapsare pressed against the vertical walls of the pre-filled carton bottom.2. A lid forming device of the structure defined in claim 1, whereinsaid tab folding means comprises a plurality of rigid fingers disposedabove the corner tabs and engaged thereby as the carton and lid areraised by said lifting means.
 3. A lid forming device of the structuredefined in claim 1, wherein said roll means comprises a plurality ofinwardly swingable rolls, and means contacting said presser platewhereby the rolls are swung inwardly coincident with upward movement ofsaid presser plate and contact said flaps on a line disposed below thefold juncture of the flaps and lid defining area as the flaps contactsaid walls of said carton bottom.
 4. A lid forming device of thestructure defined in claim 3, wherein said presser plate contactingmeans comprises a plurality of spring arms connected with said rollersand having free ends adapted to contact the upper surface of said plate.5. The lid forming device as defined by the structure of claim 4,wherein the terminal ends of the spring arms for the side flap foldingrollers contacts the upper surface of said presser plate after saidfingers have initiated downward folding of said corner tabs and afterthe end flap forming rollers have begun downward folding of said endflaps by said end flap folding rollers.
 6. A filled container liddingdevice for folding flat lid blanks having end and side flaps and cornertabs carried by said end flaps into engagement with the sides of afilled container comprising; a frame, a lid blank supply station, meanscomprising spaced pairs of guide members for guiding said flat lidblanks first vertically upwardly, then laterally, edgewise to a positionoverlying a filled container, means for lifting said container intocontact with said lid; oppositely spaced means for folding said cornertabs and said end and side flaps into tight contact with said containerwalls; means supporting said oppositely spaced flap folding means andsaid spaced pairs of vertical lid guiding means on said frame forrelative motion with respect to one another whereby lid blanks ofdifferent dimensions may be loaded on said lid supply station and movedvertically and laterally edgewise and thereafter the end and side flapsand corner tabs folded into engagement with the container walls of acorrespondingly dimensioned container and means for operating saidsupporting means to accomodate containers and lids of compatibledimensions.
 7. A filled container lidding device as set forth in claim 6wherein said supporting means comprises two pairs of parallel horizontalrack bars slidably mounted on said frame; a pinion in contact with eachof said pairs of rack bars and means for rotating said pinion back andforth to cause equal and opposite movement of the bars in each pair ofsaid rack bars.
 8. A filled container lidding apparatus as defined inclaim 7, wherein one each of the opposite pairs of blank guides and flapfolding means is mounted on a single rack bar and moved by said bars inequal and opposite directions.
 9. An apparatus for applying lid blankshaving side and end marginal flap areas and corner tabs carried byeither of said flap areas to filled containers comprising means forsupporting a supply stack of flat lid blanks in a horizontal position;means for laterally moving individual, flat lid blanks one at a timefrom the top of said stack on said supporting means to a positionoverlying a filled container; means for applying adhesive to the cornertabs of said lids during said lateral movement; means for supplyingindividual filled containers to a position directly beneath theindividual flat lid blank; means for lifting said filled container intocontact with the flat lid blank; means for bending said corner tabsdownwardly as the filled container contacts said blank, further meansoperable by continued upward movemeNt of said blank and filled containerfor bending the marginal flap areas downwardly after the containercontacts said lid blank whereby said corner tabs are disposed beneathsaid folded marginal flap areas; said folding means comprising pivotedroller pressing said marginal flap areas downwardly and upon continuedmovement pressing said flap areas against the side walls of said filledreceptacle at the juncture of said flap areas to the remainder of saidblank, and means for discharging said lidded carton from said apparatusafter said lid has been applied thereto.
 10. An apparatus as defined inclaim 9, including presser plate means contacting the upper surface ofsaid flat lid blank as the filled container is lifted to press the lidtightly against the contents of the container.
 11. An apparatus asdefined in claim 9, wherein the means for supporting the supply of flatblanks comprises an elevator platform, and means to incrementally raisesaid elevator platform in response to removal of individual blanks fromsaid stack of flat lid blanks.
 12. An apparatus as defined in claim 9,wherein said means for laterally moving said flat blanks comprises apair of horizontal support rails engaging the under surface of theindividual blanks and a pair of self-aligning feeder tongues movableparallel to said rails and having means to engage the edge of eachindividual blank to move same laterally from said stack along said railsto the position overlying said filled container.
 13. An apparatus asdefined in claim 12 wherein said means to engage the edge of each ofsaid blanks includes an outwardly projecting pin adapted to enter theedge of the lid blank.
 14. An apparatus as defined in claim 12 includingfurther a pair of guide means disposed adjacent each rail and said guidemeans including a frictional means for engaging the edges of thelaterally moving blanks.
 15. An apparatus as defined in claim 9, whereinsaid container lifting and discharging means includes a verticallymoving roller conveyor having means to power said conveyor rolls whensaid conveyor is at its lowermost position.
 16. An apparatus as definedin claim 9, including automatic control means for controlling said meansfor moving said filled container, said lid blank feeding means, saidcontainer lifting and discharge means and said flap bending means inrepetitive sequence in response to the presence of a filled container inan initial position beneath said flat lid blank.